Zion National Park
Established in 1909 as Mukuntuweap National Monument, the area expanded in 1919 as Zion National Park. The name Zion is a Hebrew word referring to a place of safety or refuge, given to this canyon by Mormon pioneers in the 1860s. The beautiful Kolob section was added in 1937. Kolob in Mormon theology, is a heavenly place close to God.
Zion features stunning scenery found nowhere else on earth. A geologic showpiece with sandstone cliffs among the highest in the world, Zion features one of the last mostly free-flowing river systems on the Colorado Plateau as well as a large, diverse plant and animal community.
The park measures 229 square miles (147,551 acres). The elevation is its lowest at 3,666 ft (1,128 m) in Coalpits Wash in the southwest corner and at its highest at 8,726 ft (2,660 m) in Horse Ranch Mountain in the Kolob Canyons section.
Zion contains the richest diversity of plants in Utah with almost 800 native species. Differences in elevation, sunlight, water, and temperature create ''microenvironments,'' like hanging gardens, forested side canyons, and isolated mesas that lend to this diversity.
75 species of mammals, 271 birds, 32 reptiles and amphibians and 8 fish make their home in Zion National Park. Commonly seen animals include mule deer, rock squirrels, lizards, and many species of birds. Rare or endangered species include the Peregrine Falcon, Mexican Spotted Owl, Southwest Willow Flycatcher, desert tortoise, and the Zion snail, found nowhere else on earth.
Evidence of Ancestral Puebloans, formerly known as the Anasazi, date from about 2,000 years ago; Paiutes from about 800 years ago to present. Mormon settlers arrived in the 1860s. Park visitation in 1920 was 3,692; in 1996 it reached 2.5 million.
Zion National Park is a showcase of geology. Geologic processes have played an important role in shaping Zion. The arid climate and sparse vegetation allow the exposure of large expanses of bare rock and reveal the park's geologic history. Zion is located along the edge of a region called the Colorado Plateau. The rock layers have been uplifted, tilted, and eroded, forming a feature called the Grand Staircase, a series of colorful cliffs stretching between Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon. The bottom layer of rock at Bryce Canyon is the top layer at Zion, and the bottom layer at Zion is the top layer at the Grand Canyon.
Protected within Zion National Park's 229 square miles (593.1 km) is a spectacular cliff-and-canyon landscape and wilderness full of the unexpected including the world's largest arch - Kolob Arch - with a span that measures 310 feet (94.5 m).
Kolob Canyons may be the little known portion of Zion National Park, but that doesn't mean that its not as spectacular as the main canyons of the Zion proper. These rugged, red, navajo sandstone canyons have a unique geological history. They are home to diverse animal and plant life, and provide peaceful and serene surroundings to those that visit. Kolob Canyons is a beautiful place to tour throughout the year. In the winter, the red navajo sandstone glimmers with a fresh dusting of snow and in the spring the waterfalls cascade down the rugged cliffs, streaking them black from the run-off. Wild-flowers bloom in abundance during the summer, and with the coming of autumn, the yellow-gold leaves of the valley's scrub oak offers an interesting contrast to the vast scenery.
Visitor Center
The Zion Canyon Visitor Center is a short distance from the Park's South Entrance adjacent to Springdale.
The Visitor Center at the Kolob Canyons entrance is accessible from I-15, exit 40. I-15 passes west of the Park and connects with UT-9 and 17 to the Park. US-89 passes east and connects with UT-9 to the Park. There are picnic tables at the Kolob Canyons Overlook, which is located at the end of the Kolob Canyons road. There are no overnight camping facilities in the park. Backcountry camping requires a permit that can be obtained at the Visitors Center. During summer months, the visitor centers are open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Spring, fall and winter hours are shortened. Some visitor centers are closed on some federal holidays.
Getting There
Zion National Park is located 56 miles South on Hwy 9 via I-15 outside the town of Springdale, Utah. Travel by tram or bike through the park.
The Kolob Canyons are located just off I-15 at exit #40, twenty miles south of Cedar City. The road through the park is short journey of only 10.6 miles round trip.
Accessibility
Both visitor centers and Zion Lodge are fully accessible to those with special needs. Several campsites in the South Campground are reserved for people with disabilities and three trails are accessible. Many interpretive talks are accessible. The 1-mile (1.6 km) Riverside Walk, which begins at the north end of Zion Canyon Drive, is paved and accessible with assistance. The 2-mile accessible Pa'rus Trail was opened in 1995.
For more information call 435-772-3156 or visit www.nps.gov/zion
For Kolob Canyons call 435-586-9548
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